SPOKANE, Wash. – Three cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the Spokane region, prompting health and wildlife officials to warn the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds found under unknown circumstances.
According to a joint release from the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the cases of avian influenza, also known as bird flu were detected in two Canada geese and one great horned owl in the area.
The departments are asking residents not to touch or pick up birds that appear sick or are found dead without a known cause. The health district emphasized that there is no cure for bird flu, and attempting to take sick birds to a veterinarian, wildlife rehabilitator or home to nurse them back to health can worsen the spread.
“Moving sick or dead birds, or any sick wildlife, can spread disease to areas where it didn’t exist before,” said WDFW wildlife veterinarian Katherine Haman. “There is also the potential for viruses to spread to domestic animals.”
WDFW said the risk to hunting dogs is low but advised pet owners to ensure their animals do not come into contact with dead or sick wildlife that may have been exposed to avian influenza. If there is a risk of exposure, contact your veterinarian before bringing in a sick pet.
“It is extremely unlikely that hunters could contract bird flu, but they should take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting any wildlife disease,” said Dr. FranciscoVelázquez, health officer for SRHD.
The department said that anyone who encounters sick or dead birds with no clear cause of death is asked to report it using WDFW’s online form and not to touch the animal. If you believe you’ve come into contact with a bird infected with avian influenza, contact your primary care provider or call SRHD at (509) 324-1442 or email cdepi@srhd.org.
More information and safety recommendations on avian influenza can be found on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s blog or in this webpage.
